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Dunedin City Council – Kaunihera-a-rohe o Otepoti

Consultation opens on Coastal Dune Reserves

Last updated: 29 Oct 2026 10:45am

The Dunedin City Council (DCC) is inviting the community to have its say on the future management of 10 of the city's coastal dune reserves.

Feedback will help inform a review of the Coastal Dune Reserves Management Plan 2010, which guides how these important public spaces are protected, managed and enjoyed.

The plan covers reserves at Brighton, Island Park, Karitane Esplanade, Kuri Bush, Long Beach, Ocean Grove, Ocean View, Te Rauone, Waikouaiti Domain and Karitane Spit, and Warrington.

DCC Group Manager Parks and Recreation Heath Ellis says the review is an opportunity to ensure the management plan continues to reflect community aspirations while responding to changing environmental conditions.

Our coastal dune reserves are valued for many reasons. They protect important dune ecosystems, provide habitat for native plants and wildlife, and are popular places for walking, swimming, surfing, fishing and enjoying the coast. 

- - DCC GROUP MANAGER PARKS AND RECREATION HEATH ELLIS

"Since the Plan was adopted in 2010, we've seen growing awareness of coastal hazards, climate change, biodiversity restoration and the importance of working alongside mana whenua. Community expectations have also evolved, and this review gives us the opportunity to ensure the management plan continues to meet the needs of both current and future generations."

The DCC is seeking feedback on what people value about the coastal dune reserves, how they use them, what works well and where improvements could be made. This includes ideas about recreation, environmental restoration, public access, facilities, cultural values and the long-term management of these coastal environments.

Whether you visit these reserves every day or only occasionally, we'd like to hear your views. Community feedback will play an important role in preparing a draft management plan that reflects what people value most about these special places. 

Following consideration of submissions, the DCC will prepare a draft Coastal Dune Reserves Management Plan, which will be released for a second round of public consultation in 2027.

Submissions can be made at www.dunedin.govt.nz/consultation until Friday 27 November 2026 at 5pm.

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